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Assessment

I assess others regularly. That is part of my job as a teacher.  It is an unambiguous form of communication (if done right) the summary of which (the term grade) students share on their transcript in search of further education and employment.

That doesn't mean that I enjoy being assessed myself. I am fortunate that most of my supervisors in my life have been pleased with my work. Even when constructive it is hard for me to take criticism, written down in its finality.

The hybrid is self-assessment. At my university I am asked to write an annual self-evaluation along with professional goals for the coming year.  Much of what I write about myself is good; I'm still going strong after decades at my job.  When things go poorly I feel more in control if I'm the one who is pointing them out.

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